Ashwin and Jadeja's Daring Revival: A Battle of Wits and Resilience at Chepauk

INDC Network : Sports :  Under heavy, gray skies in Chennai, India faced an unexpected trial by fire against Bangladesh on the first day of their Test match. The visitors, sensing the moisture in the air and the hint of grass on the pitch, chose to bowl first—a bold decision, especially in India. For the first time in seven years, an opposition side elected to bowl first in India, a move driven by a meticulously prepared green-top and unusually cool conditions at Chepauk.

Bangladesh’s gamble seemed to be paying off handsomely. India was reduced to 34/3 after a spell of destructive swing and seam bowling by Hasan Mahmud, who, channeling Vernon Philander's precision, tore through the top order. He removed Rohit Sharma early, while Shubman Gill struggled and fell soon after, never quite settling at the crease. Virat Kohli, despite coming out with positive intent, was also undone by a moment of rashness, chasing a wide delivery that found the edge.

At this precarious point, young Yashasvi Jaiswal and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant tried to rebuild the innings. Playing his first Test in nearly two years, Pant showcased glimpses of his belligerent self, while Jaiswal quietly anchored from the other end. The duo added 62 runs for the fourth wicket, but Mahmud struck again after lunch, breaking the partnership with Pant’s scalp as he tried a risky cut shot that ended in the wicketkeeper's gloves. Jaiswal soon followed, trapped by the pace of Rana, leaving India at a dismal 144/6.

With Bangladesh firmly in control, it seemed like India was staring at an early collapse. The Chepauk crowd, known for its vocal support, fell eerily silent. But India’s depth in batting is its unshakeable strength, a trump card that has saved them on numerous occasions. Today was no different.

Ravichandran Ashwin, on the eve of his 38th birthday, and Ravindra Jadeja, the two Chennai stalwarts, strode in to turn the game around. The experienced duo dug in, weathering Bangladesh’s spirited pace attack and counter-attacking in style. Ashwin, in particular, looked in sublime touch, driving, cutting, and pulling with confidence. His backfoot play was remarkable, especially against the short-pitched deliveries that Bangladesh’s bowlers tried to exploit.

As the pair settled in, the tone of the match changed dramatically. Ashwin, playing on his home ground, seemed unfazed by the pressure. With each passing over, his shots grew more authoritative. In contrast, Jadeja played his characteristic measured game, initially focusing on defense before opening up with crisp strokes as the day wore on. The two spinners-turned-saviors slowly but surely pulled India out of the deep hole it had found itself in.

Bangladesh’s early success faded into frustration. Mahmud, who had been Bangladesh's standout bowler, continued to toil hard, but with little support from the other end. Taskeen Ahmed and debutant Rana alternated between over-pitched deliveries and short balls, unable to maintain the same pressure. The spinners, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, failed to assert any real control, allowing India’s lower-middle order to settle in and build a formidable stand.

Ashwin was the aggressor throughout, reaching his sixth Test hundred with a flurry of boundaries that delighted the Chepauk crowd, who cheered him on with the same fervor they once reserved for legends like Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni. His shot selection was immaculate, taking full advantage of the tiring Bangladeshi bowlers.

Jadeja, too, flourished as the partnership grew. His fluent strokes, combined with Ashwin’s commanding presence, brought the game back in India’s favor. The 195-run partnership not only saved India from a batting disaster but also showcased the unyielding spirit of the lower order.

By the time stumps were called, India had recovered to a commanding 339/6, with Ashwin unbeaten on 102 and Jadeja cruising on 86. For Bangladesh, it was a harsh reminder of the depth and resilience that the Indian team possesses. Hasan Mahmud’s 4/58 was a bright spot in an otherwise difficult day for the visitors, but the lack of consistent pressure, especially in the final session, allowed India to claw back into the match.

As day two beckons, the question remains: Can Bangladesh find a way to dismantle this formidable partnership, or will Ashwin and Jadeja continue their onslaught and push India towards a massive first-innings total?